At the heart of the VINCI Group’s ethos is a commitment to enhancing daily life and mobility for everyone. This commitment extends beyond the impressive infrastructure and facilities it designs, builds, and maintains. It’s about fostering social progress and supporting charitable initiatives that open doors to training, employment, housing, healthcare, mobility, and leisure for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society.
In the UK & ROI, our VINCI businesses – Freyssinet, VINCI Concessions, VINCI Energies UK & RoI, VINCI Construction UK, VINCI Construction Grands Projects, Belfast International Airport, Bachy Soletanche, Gatwick Airport and NUVIA UK, are proud contributors to the VINCI UK Foundation. Since its inception in 2016, the Foundation has assisted a total of 289 charities and community projects with nearly £1.6 million in grants and the invaluable practical support from our dedicated employees.
A year of impactful giving
2024 marks another significant year for the Foundation, with £230,153 in grants awarded to 38 charitable projects across the UK. These grants, which range from £3,000 to £10,000 are more than just numbers; they are lifelines that will fund and upgrade transport, equipment, and facilities.
VINCI employees: The heart of our Foundation
What makes these projects even more special is the personal touch provided by our employees. Each initiative is sponsored by at least one VINCI team member, who commits their working time and expertise over a 12-month period. This personal involvement is what truly brings our mission to life.
Ruth Ottley, Head Coordinator for the VINCI UK Foundation explains: “Our dedication at VINCI is to drive positive change. The grants and sponsorships from the VINCI UK Foundation are direct, tangible actions that allow us to make a real difference in community development. The charities we partner with are often the lifeline for residents in the areas we operate, and they hold a special place in the hearts of our sponsors. Supporting their extraordinary work is not just our honour; it’s our pleasure.”
Spotlight on Freyssinet’s selected charities:
The Friendly Bus
The Friendly Bus is a Shropshire-based community transport charity aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation by promoting mobility for vulnerable community members. They provide opportunities for social interaction and independence, improving mental and physical wellbeing. Their services, relied upon for various activities, cater to over 800 registered passengers, many of whom are elderly with limited mobility. The organisation, operating for 19 years, offers both practical and emotional support, and was recognised with ‘The Queens Award’ in 2018 for its outstanding community work. Sponsored by Ginette Pardoe, Framework Coordinator, a £7,000 grant will help The Friendly Bus in purchasing a new 16 passenger seat minibus.
The Henry Allen Trust
The Henry Allen Trust, based in Milton Keynes supports children, young adults and their families battling childhood cancer. The Trust was started in memory of the founder’s son, Henry Allen who lost his battle to Stage 4 MYCN Amplified High Risk, Neuroblastoma in 2013 at the age of four. The Trust works tirelessly to ensure no family feels alone during their cancer journey, and is currently supporting approximately 200 families, 16 hospitals and community nurses across the UK.
Sponsored by Freyssinet Project Manager Dan Harkin, the charity was awarded £5,000 towards the Henry’s Helping Hands Project, which provides food provisions to children and their families while in hospital receiving cancer treatment.
Businesses contributing to the VINCI UK Foundation are VINCI Concessions, VINCI Energies UK & RoI, VINCI Construction UK, VINCI Construction Grands Projects, Belfast International Airport, Bachy Soletanche, Freyssinet, Gatwick Airport and NUVIA UK.